Donations from taxpayers possible

United Way of Weld County is hopeful that the Colorado 2-1-1 call service will find itself on next year’s income tax form as a voluntary check-off.  The House Finance Committee unanimously approved House Bill 1073 this week which would provide Coloradoans an opportunity to donate to 2-1-1 which is operated by United Way’s across the state.

“There are six call centers around the state and trained call specialists are helping someone every two minutes of every day,” stated United Way of Weld County’s 2-1-1 Director, Chris Dowen. “Our phone network at United Way of Weld County answered over 17,000 calls last year. Everyday we connect people to essential services, no matter what kind of help an individual needs.”

Calls to 2-1-1 are asking how to find housing, pay utility bills, locate childcare, medical needs and more.   The calls are free and confidential and allow 9-1-1 calls to focus on life and death emergencies as intended.

House Bill 1073 will next be heard by the full State House.  The income tax form check-off opportunity could lead to an additional $250,000 for Colorado 2-1-1 service.